LEXINGTON, Va. May 8, 2024 — Brig. Gen. Robert W. Moreschi, dean of the faculty and deputy superintendent for academics at Virginia Military Institute, celebrated the achievements of seven cadets during a dinner at his quarters recently. Each of these seven cadets is a recipient of the Peay Merit Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition, room, board, and fees, for up to eight semesters.

The Peay scholars include Justin Peterson ’24, a civil engineering major from Bristow, Virginia; Courtney Novotny ’25, a biology major from Reading, Pennsylvania; Patrick Simmons ’25, an international studies major from Quantico, Virginia; Julia Ward ’26, an electrical and computer engineering major from Frankfort, Illinois; Barrett Callejo ’27, a biology major from Springboro, Ohio; William Cockrill ’27, an electrical and computer engineering major from Brentwood, Tennessee; and Katherine Stanley ’27, a chemistry major from Greenville, North Carolina.

Moreschi shared that the gathering was an opportunity for Peay scholars from each of the four classes to get to know one another. “These cadets are extraordinarily accomplished. They bring distinction to the Corps of Cadets, and are fine exemplars of the type of cadet whose character and bearing pay honor to General Peay,” he said.

The Peay Merit Scholarship was first conferred in 2021, and is awarded to cadets who possess the qualities of character associated with the Institute’s 14^th Superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62: exceptional leadership, academic achievement, athletic commitment, and demonstrated interest in national service. These awards are intended to facilitate the training of exemplary citizens, recognizing and rewarding their excellence as they develop into the military, political, business, and civic leaders of America’s next generation.

Marianne Hause
Photo courtesy of Linda Moreschi
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE